Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist

When hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause interfere with your life, it’s time to find a solution. At Elite Gynecology, Dr. Guichard, Dr. Molly McBride, Barbara Sztukowski, NP, and Sarah Weld, NP, work with you to find the right treatment for your menopausal symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy. If you live in New York or work near Manhattan, the help you need to feel like your old self again is nearby. Call Elite Gynecology today to schedule your appointment, or use the online booking agent.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) eases the unwanted symptoms of menopause, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Moodiness
• Changes in libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse

Menopause (after you’ve gone 12 months without a period) and perimenopause (the period before menopause) occur when your hormone levels drop, particularly estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones. This transition typically happens between ages 47-55 and, while a normal part of aging, it makes many women uncomfortable, creating symptoms that interrupt their daily lives. Hormone replacement therapy can help.

Dr. McBride may also recommend hormone replacement therapy to patients with a high risk of osteoporosis, as it can prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of broken bones.

What types of hormone replacement therapy are there?

Hormone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. McBride may recommend a systemic estrogen in the form of:

• An oral pill
• A topical cream
• A vaginal gel
• A skin patch

If the majority of your problematic symptoms are related to sexual function, she may recommend a low-dose vaginal product that can relieve the urinary and vaginal symptoms of menopause. These types of hormone replacement therapy come in creams, gels, or vaginal rings.

How do I know if hormone replacement therapy is right for me?

Hormone replacement therapy can help with menopause symptoms, but it’s not right for everyone and everyone doesn’t need it. If your symptoms interfere with the quality of your life, Dr. McBride may suggest the treatment.

She may also ask you to consider this treatment if you’ve gone through premature menopause (before age 40), especially if you’ve had your ovaries removed. Taking hormone replacement therapy until age 45 has shown a reduced risk in developing osteoporosis, heart disease, and early death.

For some women, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy don’t outweigh the risks. This treatment may not be right for you if you:

• May be pregnant
• Experience vaginal bleeding
• Have certain types of cancer
• Have had a stroke or heart attack
• Experienced blood clots
• Have a liver disease

Hormone replacement therapy may also increase your risk of developing blood clots, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease. You may also have a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke, which is why Dr. McBride monitors you throughout your treatment to ensure your health and safety.

If you think you could benefit from hormone replacement therapy, call Elite Gynecology today to book your appointment or use the online scheduling tool.